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The USDA helps farmers, ranchers and other rural households with the cost of preserving and improving their homes. In 2009, the USDA provided over $112 million towards 1,557 renewable-energy and energy-efficient improvement projects through the Rural Energy for America Program. USDA home improvement grant programs focus on low-income households living in areas with populations of less than 20,000.

Rural Energy For America Program Grants

The Rural Energy For America Program gives farmers and ranchers up to $500,000 in renewable energy technology and $250,000 in energy-efficient home improvements. Applicants must be able to prove they have a financial need and earn 50 percent or more of their income from agricultural work.

Housing Preservation Grant

Rural Americans with incomes amounting to 80 percent or less of their area's median income can apply for a Housing Preservation Grant. The grant sponsors the repair and improvement of homes by government and nonprofit organizations. Landlords can also apply for this grant if they agree to rent their unit to low-income households.

Home Repair Loans And Grants

The Home Repair Loans And Grants program provides grants of up to $7,500 to remove health and safety hazards from a home; this can involve repairing a roof, electrical wiring or waste disposal units. The grants may not be used to build a new home, fund cosmetic improvements not related to the removal of a safety hazard or repair a house that will continue to be a major hazard after the work is completed.

High Energy Cost Grant Program

Americans living in rural areas with home energy costs of over 275 percent of the national average can apply for a High Energy Cost Grant Program. The program gives financial aid to improve energy production and funds and energy-efficient conservation projects such as home weatherization and insulation.

About the Author

Andrew Latham is a seasoned copywriter for both print and online publishers. He has a Bachelor of Science, majoring in English, a diploma in linguistics and a special interest in finance, science, languages and travel. He is the owner of LanguageVox.com, a company based in Charlottesville, Virginia, which provides writing, interpreting and translating services for English and Spanish audiences.